WEST SPRINGFIELD -- An alleged street race on Route 5 near Bondi's Island early Sunday morning turned into a police chase that ended with the arrest of a 19-year-old man less than a block away from Springfield police headquarters.

Capt. John A. Ferrarini said the suspect reached speeds of up to 100 miles per hour and drove at times with his lights off in an attempt to elude police.

The incident began shortly after 2 a.m. when a police officer, northbound on Route 5 in a cruiser, came across two vehicles that appeared to be engaged in a street race.

Ferrarini said the officer gave chase to one of the drivers who then cut off some motorists at the Memorial Bridge rotary and then crossed the bridge into Springfield.

The suspect then took a right on West Columbus Avenue, crossed the South End / Julia Buxton Bridge back into West Springfield and headed north again on Route 5, where he reached speeds of 70 to 100 mph, Ferrarini said.

“Most of the time he had his lights off,” Ferrarni said.

Police were waiting for the suspect at the Memorial Bridge rotary and the suspect once again crossed the bridge, entered Springfield and took a right on West Columbus.

This time around, the suspect took a left on Boland Way, crossed Main Street onto Harrison Avenue, took a left onto Chestnut Street and then a right on Pearl Street where he ultimately pulled over near the intersection of Spring Street.

Jovanie Marin, of 24 Colton Ave. Apt. 1, was charged with reckless operation of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for police, racing a motor vehicle, marked lanes violation and speeding, according to police documents. He was also cited for being in possession of less than an ounce of marijuana.

Ferrarini said that street racers often use that stretch of Route 5 late at night or in the early morning hours.